Meet With Culture | Decoding Intangible Cultural Heritage of Tianqiao

Can you imagine that both sides of the square were rivers hundreds of years ago? The white marble bridge outside the north wall of the Temple of Agriculture was a must passage for emperors to get to the temple for sacrificial ceremonies, hence its name Tianqiao (literally "Heavenly Bridge"). From the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) to the early Republic of China period (1912-1949), with the development of transport, commerce, culture and entertainment in Qianmen area, civil culture began to flourish, making the place a representative hub of Beijing's folk culture. 

During the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing dynasties, Yongding Gate was the main entrance to the outer city of Beijing, as well as the south end of the city's Central Axis. It was first built in the 32nd year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty, or 1553. Historically, Yongding Gate was renovated and reconstructed several times. It has witnessed and protected the eternal peace of the Chinese nation in the long river of history. 

The Central Axis is never an individual architectural system; it is a symbol of China's national spirit that integrates and blends architecture, ritual culture, royal culture, and folk culture. 

Historically, Tianqiao was a symbol of Beijing's civil culture, the birthplace of many folk arts, and a gathering place of popular culture. In the contemporary era, Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center, themed "Glaze Light of Traditional Opera," stands out in the city. Facing Yongding Gate in the south and connecting to Qianmen Street in the north, it showcases the unique charm of Tianqiao culture in the new era with world-class theatrical facilities. 

Around 1920, commercial buildings and entertainment facilities began to mushroom in Tianqiao area, with an aim to build the area into a world-famous entertainment center in par with Shanghai at that time. This four-faced turret clock, first built in 1919 (the 8th year of the Republic of China period), was a novel landmark in southern Beijing back then, which embodied the prosperity of folk arts in Tianqiao during the Republic of China period. 

Throughout history, Tianqiao has evolved from a bridge to a place name and then a cultural symbol. Initially, it was a stone arch bridge. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, only emperors could cross the bridge during their trips to worship heaven, hence its name Heavenly Bridge. Later, the original bridge was renovated and reconstructed several times before it was dismantled in 1934. 

However, the term "Tianqiao" has been retained as a place name. In 2012, the Beijing Municipal Committee of Planning and Natural Resources announced a plan to restore the bridge. Its site is now a busy intersection, making it difficult to rebuild the bridge at its original location. Thus, the committee decided to move the restored bridge 40 meters south of its original site. At the end of 2013, the restored bridge was completed. Now, a new white marble arch bridge and two stone tablets stand in a green space here, putting an end of the history of Tianqiao without a bridge. 

The Eight Eccentrics of Tianqiao referred to eight famous folk artists active in Tianqiao of old Beijing from the late Qing Dynasty to the early Republic of China period. According to historical records, there were three generations of the Eight Eccentrics of Tianqiao. Many national intangible cultural heritage items, such as xiangsheng (cross talks), Beijing pingshu (storytelling), zhongfan (flagpole acrobatics), jingyun dagu (storytelling in Beijing dialect with drum accompaniment), and Tianqiao wrestling, developed in Tianqiao area. 

Xicaoshi (West Hay Market) Street derived its name from the fact that it served as a hay market in the Qing Dynasty. During the reign of Emperor Qianlong, four famous Anhui Opera troupes arrived in Beijing. Shops specializing in opera costumes gradually gathered in the area, making Xicaoshi a famous "costume street". 

Tianqiao has transformed from a unique symbol of sacrificial culture to a financial, trade, cultural and art hub, manifesting remarkable historical and cultural value. It is a rare cultural cradle that is rooted in folk arts and reflects public will and taste. The folk culture of Tianqiao represents a continuation of historical legacies. Gradually, the area has fostered an inclusive culture and become a cultural treasure trove promoting mutual learning among civilizations. 

(Executive Producer: Wang Xiaohui; Production Supervisor: Xue Lisheng; Line Producer: Yu Li; Chief Planner: Ding Suyun, Cao Chuanchuan; Planner: Li Ying; Translator: Liu Haile)